Laparoscopically assisted ureterocystoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopically assisted ureterocystoplasty (LAU) in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2001, five patients (mean age 7 years, range 3.5-13) from four centres underwent LAU with laparoscopic mobilization of the small kidney and upper ureter combined with ureterocystoplasty, with exposure of the bladder through a Pfannenstiel incision. The details and outcomes are reviewed. RESULTS: The LAU was successful in all five patients; there were no complications. A large midline incision was avoided and the LAU carried out through the better tolerated and less painful Pfannenstiel incision. CONCLUSION: LAU is an appealing technique that is safe with the added benefit of a reduced abdominal incision and acceptable operative duration. This represents the first published report of LAU.